Holiday Briton 'was beaten to death by police in Dubai'

Thursday 14 April 2011 10:24 BST

The family of a London man who died in police custody in Dubai have called for justice after claims he was beaten to death by officers.

Lee Brown, 39, a maintenance worker from Ilford, was arrested on holiday on April 6 after an argument with a hotel maid. He was taken to Bur Dubai police station where he was allegedly attacked by six officers with batons. He died on Tuesday. Prisoners are said to have contacted Mr Brown's family using smuggled mobile phones to warn them his life was in danger.

One is alleged to have said: "It was inhuman. He was cuffed by his hands and legs. Officers were punching and kicking him. He was bleeding from the head and hands and pleading for them to stop."

Mr Brown's mother, Doris, 67, of Dagenham, said: "I can't believe this has happened. It is every mother's nightmare." His brother Steve, 37, said: "We fear the Dubai government will cover this up. We need justice for Lee."

The Foreign Office confirmed Mr Brown died in police custody and called for an investigation by the Dubai authorities.

A Dubai police spokesman said: "We are awaiting the forensic report to see the cause of death."